Hi-tech traffic system for Warwick and Leamington
Motorists heading into Warwick and Leamington are soon to benefit from new hi-tech traffic signs to help steer drivers to the most convenient parking space.
Work is already underway on developing the new signs and these are to be installed from October, with them going operational before Christmas.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: ““Building on existing technology, the new equipment will provide drivers visiting both town centres with real-time information on car park availability.
“This will ensure finding a suitable parking space easier as well as reducing congestion on all roads, the information provide by the new equipment will minimise circulating traffic and reduce journey times by providing motorists with the best car parks with available spaces, quickly and efficiently.”
The announcement follows the awarding of a new contract to extend car park guidance and supply variable message signs (VMS) with Siemens Traffic, the first of its kind to be awarded using Catalist: an on-line public sector procurement service.
Based on the proven Siespace car park guidance and VMS management system already in place in the Stratford area, the contract includes monitoring ten car parks in Leamington Spa and Warwick and the supply of a further eight variable message signs.
Gafoor Din, Warwickshire County Council’s Team Leader - Traffic Control and Information System, said: “The on-line buying solutions offered by Catalist helped guarantee quality and service levels and achieve ‘best value’ from approved suppliers invited to tender competitive submissions. Using Catalist also helped save time and money and ensure good overall performance and price.
Two different VMS designs will be used in Warwickshire. The standard car park signs proposed for Leamington Spa will show the number of spaces available in various car parks within the town centre. These signs will allow drivers to pre-select the car park they wish to park in, based on the number of spaces available.
The directive car park signs proposed for Warwick will show in fixed text the visitors proposed destination, for example the town centre, Castle and Racecourse, and in variable text it will provide directive information to drivers on the name of the best car park for their visit.